Whether you are a beginner or an experienced rider, it can be all too easy to drop a motorcycle and sadly, that is going to result in some form of damage.

Naturally, you want your motorbike to remain in tip top shape and any amount of damage could have you pulling your hair out. Now, what if there was a solution to that? Well, there is, and that is where motorcycle engine guards come in.

What Is A Motorcycle Engine Guard?

Motorcycle engine guards are a type of crash protection that has been designed to protect the most vulnerable of areas from the damage that would otherwise occur in the event of an accident.

The steel tubing creates a rigid structure around the engine for optimal defence against the impacts caused by the likes of a drop, fall or slide.

Why Do I Need An Engine Guard?

You cannot be too cautious when it comes to protecting your motorbike, especially vulnerable areas, and the level of protection provided by an engine guard should not be understated.

Theoretically, engine guards are the best form of motorcycle crash protection as they cover the most surface area, protecting both the engine and the fairing. This vital defence can be the decider as to whether or not your journey stopped in its tracks and while the guard itself may suffer damage, it will be more convenient and cost-effective to replace than a whole new engine and/or fairing.

Yes, engine guards are designed and tested to protect the bike but they also serve a secondary purpose. Whether it is an intentional product of the design or not, the structure of these guards can also protect the rider to an extent, preventing their legs from becoming trapped.

What Makes A Great Engine Guard?

Now that everyone is better acquainted with motorcycle engine guards, what they do and why they are worth having, it should be noted that not all engine guards live up to their reputation. In fact, there are particular aspects worth looking out for.

Firstly, you are going to want to consider the material that has been used. As mentioned, engine guards consist of metal tubing but the question is what kind of metal. For instance, Puig engine guards are made using steel while SW Motech’s are aluminium and quite plainly, steel is simply more robust.

When shopping for a new engine guard, the price tag tends to indicate the quality and you should be weary of the cheaper alternatives. They often consist of a singular tube and frankly, that will not provide the desired level of protection. In contrast, the higher-quality options are made up of multiple tubes with multiple mounting points and reinforced welds.

How To Install An Engine Guard

Motorbike engine guards incorporate precise welds that allow them to fit to existing mounting points, something anyone will be grateful of when it comes to the installation process, and in that respect they are considered straightforward to install.

However, that may not be the case for a beginner who has no prior knowledge of or experience with motorcycles. Most will come with detailed and helpful instructions, but if you are still unsure then there is no harm in employing the help of a mechanic.